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China to Host APEC 2026 in Hong Kong, First Finance Ministers' Meeting Scheduled for October

HK

China to Host APEC 2026 in Hong Kong, First Finance Ministers' Meeting Scheduled for October
HK

HK

China to Host APEC 2026 in Hong Kong, First Finance Ministers' Meeting Scheduled for October

2025-12-12 16:00 Last Updated At:16:15

HKSAR Government welcomes Central Government's decision to hold APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 in Hong Kong

China will be the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2026. The Central Government announced today (December 12) that the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 will be held in Hong Kong in October 2026.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "Our country will be the host of APEC 2026, and the APEC FMM 2026 will be held for the first time in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in October 2026. The HKSAR Government will spare no effort in making comprehensive and meticulous preparations to support our country in successfully hosting APEC 2026. We are grateful for the Central Government's trust and support. The HKSAR Government will leverage Hong Kong's experience and strengths as an international financial centre to ensure the successful organisation of the FMM in Hong Kong. Hong Kong will also seize this opportunity to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, better integrating into and serving the overall national development."

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "Under the 'one country, two systems' principle, with the staunch support of our country, the role of Hong Kong as an international financial centre has continued to develop, with its status steadily reinforced and elevated. We are truly grateful to our country for choosing to host the FMM in Hong Kong. This not only allows us to showcase Hong Kong's comprehensive development in the economic, financial and social dimensions to participating economies and the international community but also helps deepen our collaboration with other APEC member economies, thereby fully demonstrating Hong Kong's role as a 'super connector'."

China, as the host of APEC 2026, will be responsible for preparing for and chairing the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, as well as a series of ministerial and other meetings next year. The FMM will be hosted by the Ministry of Finance and will be held in Hong Kong under the arrangements and organisation of the HKSAR Government. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will lead a dedicated task force for co-ordinating relevant planning and preparatory work.

Heads of finance departments of APEC member economies and representatives of relevant international organisations will gather in Hong Kong for this meeting. This will allow them to experience the unique charm of Hong Kong as an international metropolis, as well as Hong Kong's advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world, thereby helping to tell good stories of the country and Hong Kong.

Grading of beach water quality released

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (December 12) released the latest grading of water quality for six gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming.

Four beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), and two as Fair (Grade 2).

Grade 1 beaches are:

Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Golden Beach

Deep Water Bay Beach

Silverstrand Beach

Grade 2 beaches are:

Casam Beach

Lido Beach

Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.

Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a tropical cyclone or heavy rainfall.

A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. Members of the public can also obtain the latest daily water quality forecast information for all beaches that are open for swimming through the EPD's dedicated webpage on the beach water quality forecast (www.epd.gov.hk/en/BWQForecast).

Photo source: the official website of EPD

Photo source: the official website of EPD

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